9.30.2015

Another dramatic episode of Scream Queens! It's a horror-comedy soap opera that I can't help watching. (By the way, last week's two hour premiere counts as two episodes, in case there's any confusion why we're at episode 3). At the beginning of the episode, Zayday and Grace go to a convenience store to grab some snacks, and talk about Pete's having a Red Devil costume in his closet. Zayday is extremely suspicious of him, and she makes Grace promise to never go anywhere alone. At that moment, though, we see that the Red Devil is in the store! Once the ladies see him, Grace tases him and Zayday pushes over a shelf on him. Turns out that it's this guy Eugene from Zayday's Political Science class! But is he really involved?

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the 1997 hit ensemble film, Soul Food, will be getting a sequel! George Tillman Jr., who wrote and directed the original, is writing the new script with Nathan Skulnik.

9.29.2015

Looks like Nicki Minaj's life story will be gracing our TV screens very soon! According to Deadline’s Nellie Andreeva, who broke the news, “the untitled series will focus on the Trinidadian-born rapper's childhood in Queens in the 1990s with her vibrant immigrant family and the personal and musical evolution that lead to her eventual rise to stardom.”

Another spotlight, with more on the way! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., and are interested in a feature, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Today, we have hip hop artist Lua Proc! Raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Lua Proc is one of the city's buzzing artists. Though he started off working on his own music as an artist, he became the head of a record label after his friend who served as CEO was incarcerated. "I put myself on the back burner, and started pushing our top artist at that time," the rapper said. After going his own separate way from that label, Lua Proc began his own label, High End Society Records, committing to invest in himself and his work. After receiving music from Pittsburgh producer Stevie B, he recording his song "Stunt Hard." "That helped me gain the confidence [I needed] and start making hit after hit, which got my buzz going across the city and and surrounding areas," he said.

9.28.2015

Shonda Rhimes, the creator of hit showsGrey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder, revealed the cover of her forthcoming book, Year of Yes!

According to PEOPLE, the book explores a year in the writer's life when, as the title suggests, she decided to say “Yes” to everything. “Saying yes for an entire year turned out to be one of the most amazing decisions I have ever made,” Shonda said in a statement. “It was also a little insane, a lot terrifying and sometimes wildly embarrassing. So this is not a story I ever planned to share with anyone.”

9.22.2015

I have a bunch of music submissions to hopefully get through and post before the month is out! Right now, check out this cover of Van Hunt's "Down Here in Hell (With You)" from singer Chandenie!

This cover is one of three songs on the singer's EP, is that a crime?, which was released on August 29th. "This project is an ode to counter-normativity, an introspective questioning of what is the ideal in romantic relationships, self-love, and beauty, addressed by each song, respectively," Chandenie said.

9.18.2015

Happy Friday everyone! We have a new track to share with you all today. Artist Genius, formerly V.I.C. (known best for his smash hits "Get Silly," and "Wobble"), has released his new track, "Murder She Wrote," for listeners!
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The mid-tempo track, which give tribute to a woman's nice and thick frame, is really chill to listen and rock to. I found myself moving a little bit in my seat as I listened to it. Really cool vibe!

We look forward to featuring Genius on The Spotlight soon, and hearing about his plans for his future in music! Check out "Murder She Wrote" below!

9.17.2015

Lupita Nyong'o is absolutely stunning on the cover of October's issue of Vogue!

In her full feature with the magazine, the actress speaks about her new upcoming acting projects (the girl is GRINDING!), fashion, fame, and her family. She seems so down to earth and friendly, and the article does a great job of showing that, too. And her photos? My goodness! Lupita is absolutely beautiful, and knows how to work the camera!

Check out more pictures from the shoot and behind the scenes video below!

9.16.2015

Rapper Mosliano has released his debut EP, Moments, for listeners this week (Sept. 15)!

Mosliano himself serves as executive producer for the project, along with Daniel Sullivan, Mixed by Colin "Pyrex" Sprows, the EP is a small sample of Mosliano's work. We get a sense of where he is in life at the moment, hearing pieces of his life.

9.15.2015

The official trailer for Walt Disney Pictures' live-action version of The Jungle Book has been released, and it's a wild one!

The movie stars Neel Sethi as Mowgli and features the voice talents of Emjay Anthony as Grey Brother, Idris Elba as Shere Khan (*faints*), Giancarlo Esposito as Akela, Ralph Ineson as Father Wolf, Scarlett Johansson as Kaa, Ben Kingsley as Bagheera, Bill Murray as Baloo, Lupita Nyong'o as Raksha and Christopher Walken as King Louie.

This is NOT the cute and cuddly version we're used to. This movie is full of action and suspense and I definitely want to see it!

The Jungle Book is set to be released in spring 2016! Check out the official trailer below!

DJ Money, who serves as DJ to rapper Wale, has released his latest track,"The Night Is Young," under Wale's own imprint, Every Blue Moon (EBM).

On the track, Money effortlessly combines house music and hip hop vocals from Mello. The video, directed by Riley Robbins, incorporates black and white footage of actress Amber Borzotra.

According to YourEDM.com, the DJ gave a statement about the inspiration behind the song and video:

“I have always wanted to create songs that were a mix of different genres of music. A combination of soul, R&B, hip hop, house with a new age twist. I think that people who are fans of mine or who know me from working with artists such as Wale, Mac Miller, Raheem Devaughn and Phil Ade will be surprised with this record. I had so much fun making this video with the star, Amber Borzotra and the video director, Riley Robbins. These are people who believed in me and have supported me and were able to help me bring my vision to life with my first record.”

9.14.2015

NBC has announced a new "CEO" for Celebrity Apprentice--Arnold Schwarzenegger!

According to Entertainment Weekly, the former California governor and actor will lead the series, set to return in 2016. He takes the reins from Donald Trump, who was fired himself from the show back in June, when NBC reportedly cut ties with him after his derogatory remarks towards Mexican immigrants.

9.11.2015

This one is for the romantics out there! Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union have previously
released pictures and some video from their nuptials last August in Miami. Well now the couple has released an ENTIRE trailer for
The Wade Union in honor of their first anniversary!

9.10.2015

After multiple teases of the track on Snapchat, and in the midst of working on multiple projects including Self Made 5 and his next solo album, Wale releases the Pro Reeseproduced track, "Spoiled," with vocals from JaeFromVine!

Check out the track below and let us know how you like this new jam because I'm loving it!

9.09.2015

London-based singer/songwriter Florieme has released her video for her song, "Lady Sings The Blues!"

This music video is different than many would expect, with a touching story behind it. "I have suffered from alopecia (hair loss) for the past 2 years," the singer admitted. "After reaching the end of my tether with it, [I] decided to not only shave my hair off, but be filmed doing so for my first music video." In the video, Florieme emotionally sings as she shaves her entire head, bravely sharing that vulnerable moment with viewers. "My hope is that the video will no only raise awareness of the autoimmune disease but inspire men and women with body image issues," she added.

9.06.2015

This interview is A MUST SEE! This past week, Power 105.1's The Breakfast Club spoke with school psychologist Dr. Umar Johnson on various social and cultural issues in the school system and society, hip hop supporting HBCUs and more!

Diggy Simmons has been releasing new music lately and recently let go this little gem "Fakin' " featuring two of the West Coast's popular crooners Omarion and Ty Dolla $ign. Reportedly it's the first official single off his next project! I'm glad to see Run's son back on the scene.

Check out the track below and let us know how you like it in the comments!

9.04.2015

Happy Friday y'all! I hope everyone has a great (and safe!) Labor Day Weekend. Here's another great spotlight for you!As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, poet, etc., please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information on how to be featured.

Today, we have producer Jamon “Truebeatz” Turner! Raised in Cincinnati and then Alabama, Truebeatz has been around music all of his life. In the mid to late 80s, as a young kid, he listened to songs like “Self Destruction” from the Stop the Violence Movement featuring East Coast rappers and “We’re All in the Same Gang” by the West Coast Rap All-Stars, and became even more passionate about music and listened to and studied some of the greats. “When Bobby Brown came out with that “Don’t Be Cruel,” I used to beat that beat on lunchroom tables or the walls at home,” Truebeatz stated. “Right then and there, I knew I wanted to make music.”

9.02.2015

Singer B.Wash has released his brand new track, "FlatScreens," from his upcoming mixtape, While You Were Sleeping!

As the artwork suggests, this is a track specifically for the bedroom! B.Wash sings of having a great night with his lover, and making a special little tape for them to enjoy later. It's definitely a passionate song that I'm sure the ladies especially will like!

9.01.2015

Another spotlight for you all! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, poet, etc., please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Today, we have singer/songwriter J.R. (aka Rome)! Hailing from Hartford, CT, the musician got his start in music while his parents were pastors at a small church. J.R. also acknowledged that, at home, his house was “filled with music.” “My mother is a singer and she would sing gospel 24/7,” he said. “I think that’s why melodies constantly play in my head in the sound of my mother’s voice. Sounds crazy I know, but she is a vital part to my creativity.” Jerome’s mother introduced him to gospel music with an R&B twist, which Jerome loved and eventually made his own. The singer was also inspired by his older brother, who produces a lot of his music. “I watched his gift grow and just really wanted to follow in his footsteps,” J.R. said. Around his sophomore year of high school, he realized that he wanted to pursue music seriously, and began to truly hone his craft for a professional career.